The Rams had already qualified for the playoffs following their 3-2 win at Bristol City on Tuesday, yet they names a strong line-up as they look to build momentum between now and the end of the season.

Wednesday started the day in sixth spot and six points clear of Cardiff City, and they knew victory at the iPro would all but seal their place alongside the hosts in the Championship playoffs.

In a game which ebbed and flowed, Barry Bannan’s wonderful opener was cancelled out by substitute Darren Bent to give both sides a share of the spoils in an entertaining encounter.

While Bannan will no doubt pick up the plaudits for his long-range effort, Wednesday’s outstanding player was without doubt defender Glenn Loovens as he marked Chris Martin out of the game.

Tackles

Effective Clearances

Interceptions

Duels Won

Aerial Duels Won

Ball Recoveries

Accurate Passes

Mins Played

Glenn Loovens

1

6

5

5

4

6

26

90

As shown by the table provided by Opta, the Dutch centre-back contributed in a number of key areas in the face of a Derby attack which has scored 14 goals in its last four matches.

Loovens posted one tackle, four aerial duels won, five defensive duels won, five interceptions, six effective clearances and six ball recoveries over the course of the 90 minutes.

Derby duo Chris Martin and Tom Ince were well marshalled by the Owls’ superb back-line, yet they were finally breached when Bent headed home an inviting cross from the tireless Johnny Russell.

A draw move Carlos Carvalhal’s men closer to a guaranteed playoff place, and they will seal the deal if they avoid defeat to Cardiff in next weekend’s highly-anticipated clash at Hillsborough.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.